Adjustable harness for pet and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A animal restraint adjustable harness having a two part pivotable frame having a set of fingers or arms extended therefrom to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate the fingers, one or more harness straps, and a leash clip positioned thereon the frame and, thus such harness enables a single person to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand and such harness enables safe restraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the full extent permitted by law, the present U.S. Non-provisionalpatent application, is a Continuation-in-Part, and hereby claimspriority to and the full benefit of U.S. Non-provisional applicationentitled “Harness for Animals and Methods of Use,” having assigned Ser.No. 14/455,046, filed on Aug. 8, 2014, incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a harness for attaching a leash toan animal and more specifically it relates to a body worn harness thatencircles the animal's body and is non-choking.

BACKGROUND

Various animal harnesses or breast collars are known in the prior art,such restraints include attaching a leash to a neck collar, choke chain,or slip type collar that encircles the animal's neck. Another approachis to attach a leash to a harness that encircles the animal's neck andbody behind the front legs. Such restraint devices are assembled byjoining together portions of leather or nylon straps fastened togetherby sewing, rivets, hook and loop, clasps, rings or clips. Moreover,these animal harnesses are built with different dimensions toaccommodate animals of different size, and generally comprise systemsfor enclosing the animal within the harness and adjusting the length ofthe straps for properly fitting the harness to a given animal. Harnessesthat encircle the animal's neck and body are cumbersome due to an arrayof complicated straps and buckles that have to be attached in variousplaces including underneath the animal. Such assemblies take too muchtime to install on a domestic animal each time you want to take theanimal outside. Due to the time allotments for harnesses that encirclethe animal's neck and body most domestic animals have a neck collar.However, neck collars have their own short comings, such as when tuggedto restrain the animal this may cause injury to the animal's wind pipeby putting pressure on the animal's neck and airway making it difficultto breathe. Additionally, the leash ring on neck collars is oftenpositioned downward under the animal's neck making it difficult tolocate and attach the leash.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognized unmet needfor a harness for animals and methods of use, wherein such apparatus maybe quickly placed on the animal with one hand and safely enablesrestraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present apparatus andmethod overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meets therecognized need for a harness for animals and methods of use comprising,in general, a two part pivotable frame having a set of fingers or armsextended therefrom to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hingeto force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate thefingers, one or more harness straps, and a leash clip positioned thereonthe frame and, thus such apparatus enables a single person to quicklyand/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using onehand and such apparatus enables safe restraint of the animal withoutcausing the animal to choke or wheeze.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the harness foranimals and methods of use comprising, in general, a two part framehaving a set of fingers or arms to encircle or saddle an animal body, aspring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles toseparate the fingers, a breast collar strap having a first sideconnected to a first finger and the other side connected to a secondfinger, and ridge strap connected to the frame, the straps furtherconverge to a leash clip positioned behind the frame.

In an exemplary embodiment, an adjustable harness to releasably restrainan animal, the harness including a pivotable frame, the pivotable framehaving a first frame member and a second frame member hingedly attachedto one another, the first frame member configured having a first openinghandle and at least one first finger, the at least one first fingerhaving a first finger segment and second finger segment with a firstadjustment mechanism therebetween and the second frame member configuredhaving a second opening handle and at least one second finger, the atleast one second finger having a first finger segment and second fingersegment with a second adjustment mechanism therebetween and, a springconnected to each of the first frame member and the second frame member,the spring biases the at least one first finger and the at least onesecond finger together, and at least one harness strap affixed to thepivotable frame.

Accordingly, a feature of the harness for animals and methods of use isits ability to enable a single person to quickly and/or efficientlyplace the harness assembly on the animal using one hand.

Another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to safely tug on the leash and restrain the animal withoutcausing injury to the animal's wind pipe by putting pressure on theanimal's neck and airway making it difficult to breathe or cause theanimal to choke or wheeze.

Still another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use isits ability to alleviate the hunt and search for leash ring to connectthe leash especially since the ring on neck collars is often positioneddownward under the animal's neck making it difficult to locate andattach the leash.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to provide a compact, one hand operable, and portable harnessand leash assembly ready for quick and/or efficient placement over theanimals head and/or body.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to be quickly and/or efficiently placed on a moving animal.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to be adjustable in size to accommodate different sized animalsand expand to accommodate animal growth.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to have adjustable finger lengths to accommodate different sizedanimals and expand to accommodate animal growth.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to have an adjustable breast collar strap to accommodatedifferent sized animals and expand to accommodate animal growth.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to have a breast collar strap that slides within the set offingers to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on theanimal using one hand.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to have the fingers biased in a normally closed position.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to have the fingers biased in a normally open position.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to be utilized with existing leashes.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to be easier, and simpler to use than existing technology.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to provide a design that does not place any pressure on theanimal's neck.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to provide a design that encompasses the animal's back, ribcage, and chest as one unit.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to provide a compact, collapsible, and portable harness assemblythat is easily stored and transported.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to automatically expand to accommodate animal growth.

Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is itsability to provide a light weight apparatus that is operable with onehand installation.

These and other features of the harness for animals and methods of usewill become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingDetailed Description of the Embodiments and Claims when read in light ofthe accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present harness for animals and methods of use will be betterunderstood by reading the Detailed Description of the embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of an animalharness assembly;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the animal harnessassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the animal harness assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the animal harness assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1positioned above the animal showing placement before installation;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the animal harness assembly of FIG.1, shown positioned on the animal;

FIG. 7 is a top front facing perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1, shown with a free slidingself-adjusting harness strap(s);

FIG. 8A is a top front facing close-up perspective view of an alternateembodiment of the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1, shown with alocking mechanism in a closed position;

FIG. 8B is a top front facing close-up perspective view of an alternateembodiment of the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1, shown with alocking mechanism in an open position;

FIG. 9 is a top front facing perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1, shown with overlapping sizeadjustable fingers;

FIG. 9A is an exploded side front facing perspective view of analternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1, shownwith overlapping size adjustable fingers;

FIG. 9B is a exploded top front facing perspective view of an alternateembodiment of the animal harness assembly of FIG. 1, shown withside-by-side size adjustable fingers;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of theharness assembly of FIG. 1, shown with opening handles being pinched bya hand;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the animal harness assembly of FIG. 10positioned above the animal showing placement before installation;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the animal harness assembly ofFIG. 10, shown positioned on the animal;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of restraining an animal utilizinganimal harness assembly of FIGS. 1-12;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of theharness assembly of FIG. 1, 7, 9, or 10, shown with adjustable fingers;

FIG. 15.1 is a perspective side view of an adjustable finger segment ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 15.2 is a perspective side view of an alternate adjustable fingersegment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective side view of two finger segments of FIG. 14having a coupler means therebetween, shown detached; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective side view of two finger segments of FIG. 16having a coupler means therebetween, shown attached.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely forthe purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neitherdesired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exactdetails of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemedessential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-13 specific terminology is employed for the sakeof clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to belimited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to beunderstood that each specific element includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments setforth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples,and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated exemplary embodiment of animal harness assembly, such asharness assembly 10. Preferably, harness assembly 10 includes pivotableframe 20, harness strap(s) 30, and leash ring 40. Preferably pivotableframe 20 includes a set or two part frame, jaw, or clam shellconfiguration, such as first frame member 21 and second frame member 22,each frame member having at least one elongated arms or half saddlemembers extended therefrom to encircle an animal's body or torsotherein, such as one or more sets of fingers, including first finger 21and second finger 22, and a hinge, rotatable coupler or spring hinge,such as hinge coupler 25. Hinge coupler 25 preferably may be utilized toremoveably affix hingedly affix first frame member 21 thereto secondframe member 22. First finger 21 and second finger 22 may be configuredin an arcing or curved configuration whereby when rotated thereabouthinge coupler 25 this facilitates rotational opening of first finger 21and second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20 to then encompass an animal'sbody or torso and rotational closure of first finger 21 and secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20 to grip or enclose an animal's body ortorso.

It is recognized herein that one or more sets of fingers 21-24 mayfurther incorporate a padded section or padded sets of fingers. It isfurther recognized herein that one or more sets of fingers 21-24 may beremovable or detachable or interchangeable to enable replacement of oneor more sets of fingers 21-24 to accommodate animal growth.

Pivotable frame 20 is preferably formed of a suitable material orfabric, such as plastic, rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, fiber, reinforcedor coated canvas, wire, coated wire, coated fiber or mesh, nylon, metal,shape memory metal, steel, sprung steel, padded or unpadded or the like,capable of providing structure and comfort to pivotable frame 20.Preferably, the material includes other suitable characteristics, suchas rigidity, semi-flexibility, durability, strength, water resistant,puncture resistant, tear resistant, light weight, chemical inertness,oxidation resistance, ease of workability, or other beneficialcharacteristic understood by one skilled in the art.

It is contemplated herein that pivotable frame 20 may include sprungsteel or other like material and be configured as normally closed firstfinger 21 and second finger 22 or biasing first finger 21 and secondfinger 22 together.

Referring again to FIG. 2, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated an exploded view of harness assembly 10. Preferably hingecoupler 25 may include first hinge coupler 25A disposed on a first end21.1 of first frame member or first finger 21 and second hinge coupler25B disposed on a first end 22.1 of second frame member or second finger22. It is recognized herein that first frame member 21 and second framemember 22 may be hingedly attached to one another. Furthermore, firsthinge coupler 25A is preferably offset from second hinge coupler 25B toform gap 28 and first hinge coupler 25A may be further positionedproximate second hinge coupler 25B preferably in an end to end or anin-line configuration to enable an attachment device, such as pin 26 tobe slidably inserted therein first hinge coupler 25A and second hingecoupler 25B to form rotationally couple of first end 21.1 of firstfinger 21 and first end 22.1 of second hinge coupler 25B there together.It is recognized herein that first hinge coupler 25A, second hingecoupler 25B, and pin 26 are preferably configured to facilitaterotational opening of first finger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotableframe 20 to encompass an animal's body or torso and rotational closureof first finger 21 and second finger of pivotable frame 20 to grip orenclose an animal's body or torso. It is further recognized herein thathinge coupler 25 may otherwise be configured by one of ordinary skill inthe art and may be configured, for example, to snap first hinge coupler25A and second hinge coupler 25B together. Moreover, first end 21.1 offirst finger 21 may include one or more hand or finger grips or tabs,such as one or more opening handles 29, including first finger tab orfirst opening handle 29A disposed on first end 21.1 of first framemember 21 or first finger 21 and second finger tab or second openinghandle 29B disposed on first end 22.1 of second frame member 21 orsecond finger 22. It is recognized herein that opening handles 29 may behand gripped or finger pinched to facilitate rotational opening of firstfinger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotable frame to encompass ananimal's body or torso and rotational closure of first finger 21 andsecond finger 22 of pivotable frame 20 to grip or enclose an animal'sbody or torso. Still furthermore, a biasing element or torsion spring,such as spring 27 may be positioned in gap 28 when pin 26 is preferablyslidably inserted therein first hinge coupler 25A, spring 27 wrappedtherearound pin 26, and second hinge coupler 25B to provide rotationalbiasing thereto pivotable frame 20 either maintaining pivotable frame 20in a normally closed or normally open position. It is preferablyrecognized herein that spring 27 preferably maintains pivotable frame 20in a normally closed position, wherein spring 27 biases first framemember or first finger 21 and second frame member or second finger 22toward each other. It is further recognized herein that spring 27 mayotherwise be configured by one of ordinary skill in the art and may beconfigured, for example, as a bent piece of sprung metal and positionedtherein gap 28 between first hinge coupler 25A and second hinge coupler25B to provide rotational biasing thereto pivotable frame 20.

It is contemplated herein that biasing element, such spring 27 mayinclude curved or arcing configuration of sprung steel or other likematerial positioned on outer surface of first finger 21 and secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20 and configured as normally closed.

It is further contemplated herein that biasing element, such spring 27may include a variable tension spring capable of adjustment of springforce or rotational force Rf to enable varying grip force or gripstrength of one or more fingers, such as first finger 21 and secondfinger 22 during close C.

It is further contemplated herein that one or more opening handles 29may include hand grips 29 or finger tabs 29.

Preferably, harness assembly 10 includes one or more flexible supports,such as harness strap(s) 30. Harness strap(s) 30 may include at leastone or one or more breast straps 31/32, such as first breast strap 31and second breast strap 32. Furthermore, first breast strap 31 mayinclude first breast strap end 31.1 and second breast strap end 31.2wherein second breast strap end 31.2 may be affixed or removably affixedthereto first finger 21 of pivotable frame 20. Still furthermore, secondbreast strap 32 may include first end 32.1 and second end 32.2 whereinsecond end 32.2 may be affixed or removably affixed thereto secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20. It is contemplated herein that firstbreast strap end 31.1 of first breast strap 31 may be removably affixedor removably affixed to first end 32.1 of second breast strap 32, viahook 36.1 and loop 36.2 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 & 4, or any otherexpansion device 36, such as sewn, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magneticdevice or the like.

It is recognized herein that one or more breast straps 31/32, such asfirst breast strap 31 and second breast strap 32 may be a single breaststrap 31/32 having first end 31/32.1 and second end 31/32.2 whereinfirst end 31/32.1 may be affixed or removably affixed thereto firstfinger 21 of pivotable frame 20 and second end 31/32.2 may be affixed orremovably affixed thereto second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20.

Furthermore, harness strap(s) 30 may include at least one or one or moretorso straps 33/34, such as first torso strap 33 and second torso strap34. Furthermore, first torso strap 33 may include first torso strap end33.1 and second torso strap end 33.2 wherein second torso strap end 33.2may be affixed or removably affixed thereto first finger 21 of pivotableframe 20. Still furthermore, second torso strap 32 may include firsttorso strap end 34.1 and second torso strap end 34.2 wherein secondtorso strap end 34.2 may be affixed or removably affixed thereto secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20. It is recognized herein that secondtorso strap end 33.2 of first torso strap 33 and second torso strap end34.2 of second torso strap 34 may be affixed one to the other, oraffixed to leash ring 41.

It is recognized herein that one or more harness strap(s) 30 may beconfigured to enable linear length adjustment device, such as a buckle36 or the like to accommodate size differences and/or volume of toaccommodate different sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D utilizing.

Harness strap(s) 30 are preferably formed of a suitable material orfabric, such as canvas, plastic, rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, fiber,wire, coated wire, coated fiber or mesh, nylon, Tyvek, elastic, spandex,stretch material or the like, capable of providing structure to harnessstrap(s) 30. Preferably, the material includes other suitablecharacteristics, such as flexibility, durability, strength, waterresistant, puncture resistant, tear resistant, light weight,heat-resistance, chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, ease ofworkability, or other beneficial characteristic understood by oneskilled in the art.

It is further contemplated herein that sling 11 may be configured and/orsized to accommodate various sized patients P to be secured therein.

It is contemplated herein that one or more leash ring(s) 40, such asleash ring 41 may be affixed or removably affixed thereto harnessstrap(s) 30 and/or leash ring 42 may be affixed or removably affixedthereto pivotable frame 20.

Furthermore, harness strap(s) 30 may include at least one or one or moreridge strap(s) 35. Furthermore, ridge straps 35 may include first ridgestrap end 35.1 and second ridge strap end 35.2 wherein second ridgestrap end 35.2 may be affixed or removably affixed thereto leash ring 41of pivotable frame 20. Still furthermore, first ridge strap end 35.1 maybe affixed or removably affixed thereto leash ring 41.

It is contemplated herein that first torso strap end 33.1 of first torsostrap 33 and first torso strap end 34.1 of second torso strap 34 may beaffixed or removably affixed to first ridge strap end 35.1 of ridgestraps 35, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 & 4, or any other attachment device,such as leash ring 40, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magnetic device, orthe like.

It is recognized herein that one or more torso straps 33/34, such asfirst torso strap 33 and second torso strap may be a single torso strap33/34 having first end 33/34.1 and second end 33/34.2 wherein first end33/34.1 may be affixed or removably affixed thereto first finger 21 ofpivotable frame 20 and second end 33/34.2 may be affixed or removablyaffixed thereto second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20.

It is still further recognized herein that one or more breast straps31/32 and one or more torso straps 33/34 may be a single harnessstrap(s) 30 affixed or removeably affixed thereto first finger 21 andsecond finger 22, respectively, of pivotable frame 20.

Referring again to FIG. 3, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a front perspective view of harness assembly 10.Preferably first opening handle 29A and second opening handle 29B may beconfigured at approximately ninety-degrees or other angle proximateninety-degrees to first end 21.1 of first finger 21 and first end 22.1of second finger 22, respectively. It is recognized that spring ends ofspring 27, such as first spring end 27.1 and second spring end 27.2 maybe positioned against back side 29A.1 of first opening handle 29A andback side 29B.1 of second opening handle 29B, respectively. Preferablyspring 27 applies rotational force Rf to separate first opening handle29A and second opening handle 29B and, thus rotational force Rf appliedagainst hinge coupler 25 additionally forces or brings second end 21.2of first finger 21 and second end 22.2 of second finger 22 togetherand/or in contact with one another. It is recognized herein that counterforce against rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler 25additionally forces or separates second end 21.2 of first finger 21 fromsecond end 22.2 of second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20 in thedirection of open O to enable an animal to be positioned in gap oropening, such as torso opening 50A and rotational force Rf of spring 27applied against hinge coupler 25 additionally forces or brings secondend 21.2 of first finger 21 from second end 22.2 of second finger 22 ofpivotable frame 20 in the direction of closed to grip an animalpositioned in torso opening 50A. Moreover, first breast strap 31 andsecond breast strap 32 may be removeably affixed via hook 36.1 and loop36.2, to itself.

It is recognized herein that expansion device 36 may accommodate sizedifferences and/or volume of to accommodate different sized head H, backBk, torso T of dog D.

Referring again to FIG. 4, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly 10.Preferably, first finger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20,and first breast strap 31 and second breast strap 32 are configured tocreate a gap or opening, such as head opening 50B where a user ofharness assembly 10 may pass through an animal's head, such as dog D.

Referring again to FIG. 5, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly 10 affixed toleash Le. Preferably, in use, harness assembly 10 may be positionedabove the animal, such as dog D. Next, opening handles 29 may be pinchedor forced together to provide counter force against rotational force Rfapplied against hinge coupler 25, which additionally forces or separatesnormally closed first finger 21 from second finger 22 of pivotable frame20 in the direction of open O, shown in FIG. 4, to enable an animaltorso to be positioned therein torso opening 50A. In addition, firstfinger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20, and first breaststrap 31 and second breast strap 32 are configured to create a gap oropening, such as head opening 50B where a user of harness assembly 10may pass through an animal's head, such as dog D. Next, harness assembly10 may be lowered Lo over animal's head H and torso T, such as dog D.

It is preferably recognized herein that spring 27 may maintain pivotableframe 20 in a normally open position —via reversed action of spring 27wherein to close C harness assembly 10 a user may squeeze openinghandles 29 together to close first finger 21 and second finger 22, asshown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 6, by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly 10 affixed toleash Le, shown positioned on dog D. In use, the head H of dog D isslipped through or positioned therethrough head opening 50B betweenfirst finger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20, and firstbreast strap 31 and second breast strap 32. Next, harness assembly 10 ispreferably positioned over or lowered Lo over the back Bk or torso T ofdog D. Next, opening handles 29 may be released and rotational force Rffrom spring 27 may be applied against hinge coupler 25, which rotationalforce Rf brings together first finger 21 to second finger 22 ofpivotable frame 20 in the direction of closed C to enable an animal tobe securely held in torso opening 50A and first finger 21 to secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20 is preferably closed, gripped orencircled around torso T of dog D securing dog D therein harnessassembly 10.

Referring again to FIG. 6, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly 10, shownwith dog D secured therein harness assembly 10 with torso T of dog Denclosed, gripped or encircled by first finger 21 and second finger 22of pivotable frame 20 and one or more breast straps 31/32, such as firstbreast strap 31 and second breast strap 32 secured against the chest orbreast B of dog D to enable dog D to be securely held therein harnessassembly 10.

It is contemplated herein that harness assembly 10 may be stored withleash Le attached ready for quick one hand installation.

It is further contemplated herein that harness assembly 10 may vary inconfiguration, size and adjustment to accommodate different sized headH, back Bk, torso T of dog D.

Referring again to FIG. 7, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a top front facing perspective view of another exampleembodiment harness assembly 10A, shown with a free slidingself-adjusting harness strap(s) 30. Preferably first finger 21 andsecond finger 22 of pivotable frame 20 may each include one or morepassageways, such as conduit(s) 60, which may include first conduit 61formed therein or therethrough or positioned therein or disposed thereonfirst finger 21 of pivotable frame 20 and second conduit 62 formedtherein or therethrough or positioned therein or disposed thereon secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20. Preferably one or more breast straps31/32 and one or more torso straps 33/34 or single harness strap(s) 30,being a combination strap of harness straps 30 (one or more breaststraps 31/32 and one or more torso straps 33/34), may be positionedtherethrough conduit(s) 60, such as first conduit 61 and second conduit62 to form a loop around pivotable frame 20 and further configured toenable length longitudinal adjustment L directional movement oradjustment of harness strap(s) 30 relative to or proximately transverseto first finger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20. In use,harness assembly 10A may be adjusted by sliding or pushing one or morebreast straps 31/32 in a forward direction (longitudinal adjustment L)of pivotable frame 20 via conduit 60, thus increasing or to make largerthe size of head opening 50B (the space between first finger 21 andsecond finger 22 of pivotable frame 20, and breast straps 31/32) toenable a larger or enlarged head opening 50B to simplify lasso orcapture of the head H of dog D, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Moreover,after installation of harness assembly 10A, first finger 21 and secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20, thereon dog D a tug of leash ring 40pulls harness strap(s) 30 in a rearward direction (longitudinaladjustment L) of pivotable frame 20 via conduit 60, thus decreasing, tomake smaller, or shrinking the size of head opening 50B (the spacebetween first finger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotable frame 20, andbreast straps 31/32) to secure breast straps 31/32 against breast B ofdog D to restrain dog D therein harness assembly 10A.

It is recognized herein that conduit(s) 60 may be formed cross-wise,longitudinal L, within the width W of first finger 21 and/or secondfinger 22 or conduit(s) 60 may be formed within nodule or housing formedas part of finger 21 and/or second finger 22.

It is contemplated herein that pivotable frame 20 may include one ormore passageways, such as conduit(s) 60, which may include first conduit61 positioned therein or disposed thereon pivotable frame 20 or mayinclude first conduit 61 and second conduit 62 positioned therein ordisposed thereon first finger 21 of pivotable frame 20 and one or morebreast straps 31/32 may be moved in a direction (longitudinal adjustmentL).

It is further contemplated herein that pivotable frame 20 may includeone or more passageways, such as conduit(s) 60, which may include firstconduit 61 positioned therein or disposed thereon pivotable frame 20 andone or more breast straps 31/32 may be moved in a direction(longitudinal adjustment L).

It is still further contemplated herein that breast strap 31/32 may beconfigured as single breast strap disposed between first finger 21 andsecond finger 22 of pivotable frame 20, may be configured as a loop orlasso disposed therefrom first finger 21 or second finger 22 ofpivotable frame 20.

Referring again to FIGS. 8A and 8B, by way of example, and notlimitation, there is illustrated a top front facing perspective view ofanother example embodiment harness assembly 10B, with a lock, lockdevice, such as locking mechanism 70. Preferably locking mechanism 70may be positioned between back side 29A.1 of first opening handle 29Aand back side 29B.1 of second opening handle 29B, respectively. In thisexample embodiment locking mechanism 70 may include pivot arm or bardevice, such as D-ring 72 having first end 72.1 and second end 72.2.Preferably first end 72.1 may be pivotally or hinge 73 mounted theretoback side 29A.1 of first opening handle 29A and pivot or hinge betweenan unlocked and locked position of pivotable frame 20. Moreover, backside 29B.1 of second opening handle 29B or second end 72.2 may include abump, or receptacle, such as latch 74 to releasably receive and latchsecond end 72.2 of D-ring 72. In use, as shown in FIG. 6, once dog D ispreferably secured therein harness assembly 10 with torso T of dog Denclosed, gripped or encircled by first finger 21 and second finger 22of pivotable frame 20, locking mechanism 70 may be engaged by pivotingsecond end 72.2 of D-ring 72 about hinge 73 until second end 72.2 ofD-ring 72 engages latch 74, and latches locking mechanism 70 in a lockedand closed position so first finger 21 and second finger 22 of pivotableframe 20 remain securely closed around torso T of dog D.

Referring again to FIG. 9, 9A, 9B by way of example, and not limitation,there is illustrated a top or side front facing perspective view ofanother example embodiment harness assembly 10C, with first finger 21and second finger 22 overlapped or overlap one another to accommodatedifferent sized animals and to automatically expand to accommodateanimal growth. It is contemplated herein that first finger 21 and secondfinger 22 of pivotable frame 20 may be overlapping, interlocking,latchable via hook and loop, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magneticdevice, or the like. It is recognized herein that expansion device 36may accommodate size differences and/or volume of to accommodatedifferent sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D, as shown in FIG. 9.

Referring again to FIG. 10, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a side perspective view of another example embodimentharness assembly 10D, shown with opening handles 29 being pinched byhand Ha. Preferably pivotable frame 20 includes two sets of elongatedarms or saddle members to encircle an animal's body or torso therein,such as first set of fingers, including first finger 21 and secondfinger 22, and second set of first finger 21 and second finger 22,labeled as third finger 23 and fourth finger 24 hinged thereabout hingecoupler 25. First finger 21 and second finger 22, and third finger 23and fourth finger 24 may be configured in an arcing or curvedconfiguration whereby when rotated thereabout hinge coupler 25 thisfacilitates rotational opening of both first finger 21 and second finger22, and third finger 23 and fourth finger 24 of pivotable frame 20 tothen encompass an animal's body or torso and rotational closure of firstfinger 21 and second finger 22, and third finger 23 and fourth finger 24of pivotable frame 20 to grip or enclose an animal's body or torso.

It is contemplated that spring 27 rotational force Rf applied againsthinge coupler 25 may additionally force or bring second end 21.2 offirst finger 21 and second end 22.2 of second finger 22 together, andsecond end 23.2 of third finger 23 and second end 24.2 of fourth finger24 together and/or in contact with one another, respectively.

It is contemplated that spring 27 rotational force Rf applied againsthinge coupler 25 may additionally force or bring second end 21.2 offirst finger 21 and second end 22.2 of second finger 22 together, andsecond end 23.2 of third finger 23 and second end 24.2 of fourth finger24 together and/or in contact with one another, respectively.

It is still further contemplated that harness assembly 10D may includeoverlapping first finger 21 and second finger 22, as shown in FIG. 9,and overlapping third finger and fourth finger 24 to accommodatedifferent sized animals and expand to accommodate animal growth. It iscontemplated herein that first finger 21 and second finger 22, and thirdfinger 23 and fourth finger 24 of pivotable frame 20 may be overlapping,interlocking, latchable via hook and loop, snap, button, clasp, buckle,magnetic device, or other attachment device 36 or the like.

Referring again to FIG. 11, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a side perspective view of another example embodimentharness assembly 10D affixed to leash Le. Preferably, in use, harnessassembly 10D may be positioned above the animal, such as dog D. Next,opening handles 29 may be pinched or forced together to provide counterforce against rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler 25,which additionally forces or separates first finger 21 from secondfinger 22, and third finger 23 from fourth finger 24 of pivotable frame20 in the direction of open O, similar to that shown in FIG. 4, toenable an animal to be positioned in torso opening 50A and neck or headopening 50B.

Referring to FIG. 12, by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a side perspective view of another example embodimentharness assembly 10D affixed to leash Le, shown positioned on dog D.Next, harness assembly 10D is preferably lowered Lo over the neck H,back Bk, torso T of dog D. Next, opening handles 29 may be released androtational force Rf from spring 27 may be applied against hinge coupler25, which rotational force Rf brings together first finger 21 to secondfinger 22, and third finger 23 from fourth finger 24 of pivotable frame20 in the direction of closed C to enable an animal, such as dog D to besecurely held or restrained therein in torso opening 50A and headopening 50B.

Referring again to FIG. 12, by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly 10D, shownwith dog D secured therein harness assembly 10D with neck or head H,back Bk, torso T of dog D enclosed, gripped or encircled by first finger21 and second finger 22, and third finger 23 from fourth finger 24 ofpivotable frame 20 and preferably closed, gripped or encircled by firstfinger 21 to second finger 22, and third finger 23 from fourth finger 24of pivotable frame 20 to enable dog D to be securely held or restrainedtherein harness assembly 10D.

It is contemplated herein that harness assembly 10 may be stored withleash Le attached ready for quick one hand installation.

It is further contemplated herein that harness assembly 10 may vary inconfiguration, size and adjustment to accommodate different sized headH, back Bk, torso T of dog D.

It is still further contemplated that spring 27 rotational force Rfapplied against hinge coupler 25 may additionally force or bring secondend 21.2 of first finger and second end 22.2 of second finger 22 inclose proximity, and second end 23.2 of third finger 23 and second end24.2 of fourth finger 24 in close proximity, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a flow diagram 1300 of amethod of one handed animal harness installation utilizing harnessassembly 10 as described herein in FIGS. 1-12. In block or step 1305,providing harness assembly 10/10A/10B/10C/10D, collectively 10, asdescribed herein in FIGS. 1-12. In block or step 1310, adjusting harnessstrap(s) 30 of harness assembly 10 to accommodate an animal, such as dogD. In block or step 1315, attaching leash Le thereto leash ring 40. Inblock or step 1320, gripping or pinching or applying a force against oneor more opening handles 29. In block or step 1325, opening one or moresets of fingers 21, 22, 23, 24, or spreading or applying counter forceagainst rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler 25, withsufficient pressure to overcome spring 27 spring force to separate, oneor more sets of fingers 21, 22, 23, 24 open, as an open harness assembly10 ready to receive an animal, such as dog D. In block or step 1330,placing or positioning animal, such as dog D therein one or more sets offingers 21, 22, 23, 24 and/or harness strap(s) 30 of harness assembly10. In block or step 1335, releasing grip thereof of one or more openinghandles 29. In block or step 1340, closing one or more sets of fingers21, 22, 23, 24 or releasing rotational force Rf applied against hingecoupler 25 to bring one or more sets of fingers 21, 22, 23, 24 closed,as a closed harness assembly 10. In block or step 1345, restraining ananimal, such as dog D therein harness assembly 10. In block or step1350, releasing an animal, such as dog D therefrom harness assembly 10.

Referring now to FIG. 14 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a front view of another example embodiment of harnessassembly 10A-C, such as adjustable harness assembly 10C, with firstadjustable finger 21A and second adjustable finger 22B overlapped oroverlap one another, such as second end 21.2 of first finger 21 andsecond end 22.2 of second finger 22 together and/or in contact with oneanother to accommodate different sized animals and to automaticallyexpand to accommodate animal growth. First adjustable finger 21A andsecond adjustable finger 22B of pivotable frame 20 may be overlapping,interlocking, latchable via hook and loop, snap, button, clasp, buckle,magnetic device, or the like. Preferably, adjustable finger(s), such asfirst adjustable finger 21A and second adjustable finger 22B may includeone or more hinge, rotatable coupler, adjustment hinge or spring hingemechanisms, first adjustment mechanism and second adjustment mechanism,such as adjustment mechanism 140 positioned between first finger segment141 and second finger segment 142, each finger segment having firstfinger segment end 141.1 and second finger segment end 142.2.

Either end of first finger segment 141 or second finger segment 142 mayinclude first adjustable hinge coupler section 143 disposed, such as, onfirst finger segment end 141.1 of first finger segment 141 and secondadjustable hinge coupler section 145 disposed on, such as, second fingersegment end 142.2 of second finger segment 142, and each preferablyoffset from the other. First adjustable hinge coupler section 143 andsecond adjustable hinge coupler section 145 may be releasably hingedlyattached to one another preferably in an end to end or an in-lineconfiguration to enable an attachment device, such as pin 26 to beslidably inserted therein first adjustable hinge coupler section 143 andsecond adjustable hinge coupler section 145 to form rotationallyreleasably coupled adjustment mechanism 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 15.1 and 15.2 by way of example, and notlimitation, there is illustrated a perspective side view of first fingersegment 141 or second finger segment 142. Either end of first fingersegment 141 or second finger segment 142 may include one or moreadjustment, ratchet, or sliding and latch, lock or securing device, suchas adjustment and lock mechanism 149 integrated therein to enableadjustment and locking of adjustment mechanism 140. Adjustment and lockmechanism 149 may include either of mating and overlapping adjustmentmechanism 144, such as first part of adjustment mechanism 144A or secondpart of adjustment mechanism 144B and configured to enable incrementaladjustment of first finger segment 141 relative to second finger segment142; and either of lock mechanism 146, such as first part of lockmechanism 146A or second part of lock mechanism 146B and configured toenable incremental adjustment of first finger segment 141 relative tosecond finger segment 142 and configured to enable lock or hold firstfinger segment 141 relative to second finger segment 142. It iscontemplated herein that first part of adjustment mechanism 144A orsecond part of adjustment mechanism 144B may include spaced interlockingcrossbars or teeth 147 or other slip resistant adjustable surfacetherebetween first part of adjustment mechanism 144A or second part ofadjustment mechanism 144B. It is further contemplated herein that firstpart of lock mechanism 146A or second part of lock mechanism 146B mayinclude screw 146A and nut 146B, such as a surface mount fastener or pemfastener. It is recognized herein that other means of adjustment andlock mechanism 149 may be understood by one of ordinary skill in theart. Preferably first part of lock mechanism 146A may be positioned inan oval slot, such as oblong aperture 148 formed therein second fingersegment end 142.2 to enable first part of lock mechanism 146A to slidetherein as adjustment mechanism 140 enables adjustment of the arc orcurvature of first adjustable finger 21A and second adjustable finger22B of harness assembly 10C. Once first adjustable finger 21A and secondadjustable finger 22B of harness assembly 10C are in their desiredposition lock mechanism 146 may be utilized to lock or hold suchposition.

In use, adjustment mechanism 140 and adjustment and lock mechanism 149preferably may be utilized to adjust the arc or curvature of firstadjustable finger 21A or second adjustable finger 22B of harnessassembly 10C to encompass or enclose an animal's body or torso andaccommodate or adjust A to different sized or adjust A to a growinganimal's body or torso, such as dog D.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 by way of example, and not limitation,there is illustrated a perspective side view of first finger segment 141and second finger segment 142 of finger 21 or second finger 22 ofharness assembly 10A-C, such as harness assembly 10C to encompass orenclose an animal's body or torso and accommodate or adjust A todifferent sized or adjust A to a growing animal's body or torso, such asdog D.

Either end of first finger segment 141 or second finger segment 142 mayinclude first coupler section 143.1 disposed, such as, on first fingersegment end 141.2 of first finger segment 141 and second coupler section145.1 disposed on, such as, second finger segment end 142.1 of secondfinger segment 142. First coupler section 143.1 and second couplersection 145.1 may be releasably affixed or coupled or latched to oneanother preferably in an end to end or an in-line to form coupler 140.1.Moreover, first coupler section 143.1 preferably includes couplerrelease lever 150 configured to release first coupler section 143.1 andsecond coupler section 145.1 and enable separation or swap out of firstfinger segment 141 or second finger segment 142.

In use, latched coupler 140.1, shown in FIG. 17, preferably may beutilized to adjust the arc or curvature of first finger 21 or secondfinger 22 of harness assembly 10C by enabling swap out or replacement offirst finger 21 and second finger 22 of harness assembly 10A-C withdifferent sized first finger 21 or second finger 22 to encompass orenclose various size animal's body or torso and accommodate or adjust Ato different sized or adjust A to a growing animal's body or torso, suchas dog D.

It is recognized herein that first hinge coupler 25A, second hingecoupler 25B, and pin 26 are preferably configured to facilitaterotational adjustment A, opening or closing, of first finger 21 andsecond finger 22 of pivotable frame 20 to encompass an animal's body ortorso and rotational closure of first finger 21 and second finger ofpivotable frame 20 to grip or enclose an animal's body or torso.

It is further recognized herein that hinge coupler 25 may otherwise beconfigured by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be configured,for example, to snap first hinge coupler 25A and second hinge coupler25B together.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments,it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps ofa method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to mind to one ordinarily skilledin the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are usedin a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Moreover, the present invention has been described indetail; it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly,the present invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsillustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A adjustable harness to releasably restrain ananimal, the harness comprising: a pivotable frame, said pivotable framecomprises a first frame member and a second frame member hingedlyattached to one another; said first frame member comprises a firstopening handle and at least one first finger, said at least one firstfinger comprises a first finger segment and second finger segment with afirst adjustment mechanism therebetween and said second frame membercomprises a second opening handle and at least one second finger, saidat least one second finger comprises a first finger segment and secondfinger segment with a second adjustment mechanism therebetween and; aspring connected to each of said first frame member and said secondframe member, said spring biases said at least one first finger and saidat least one second finger together; and at least one harness strapaffixed to said pivotable frame.
 2. The adjustable harness of claim 1,wherein said first and second adjustment mechanism each furthercomprises a first adjustable hinge coupler section and a secondadjustable hinge coupler section configured to releasably affix saidfirst finger segment and said second finger segment.
 3. The adjustableharness of claim 2, wherein said first adjustable hinge coupler sectionis configured offset from said second adjustable hinge coupler section.4. The adjustable harness of claim 3, wherein said first adjustablehinge coupler section is positioned in-line with said second adjustablehinge coupler section.
 5. The adjustable harness of claim 4, furthercomprises a pin slidably inserted therein said first adjustable hingecoupler section and said second adjustable hinge coupler section.
 6. Theadjustable harness of claim 2, further comprises an adjustment mechanismpositioned between said first adjustable hinge coupler section and saidsecond adjustable hinge coupler section.
 7. The adjustable harness ofclaim 6, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a firstpart of adjustment mechanism integrated therein said first adjustablehinge coupler section and second part of adjust mechanism integratedtherein said second adjustable hinge coupler section, and togetherconfigured to provide incremental adjustment of said first adjustablehinge coupler section relative to said second adjustable hinge couplersection.
 8. The adjustable harness of claim 7, wherein said first partof adjustment mechanism and said second part of adjust mechanism furthercomprises interlocking crossbars.
 9. The adjustable harness of claim 6,wherein said first finger segment further comprises an oval slottherethrough.
 10. The adjustable harness of claim 9, further comprises alock mechanism positioned between said first adjustable hinge couplersection and said second adjustable hinge coupler section.
 11. Theadjustable harness of claim 10, wherein said lock mechanism furthercomprises a first part of lock mechanism integrated therein said firstadjustable hinge coupler section and second part of lock mechanismintegrated therein said second adjustable hinge coupler section, andtogether configured to hold said first adjustable hinge coupler sectionrelative to said second adjustable hinge coupler section.
 12. Theadjustable harness of claim 11, wherein said first part of lockmechanism is configured to slidably adjust therein said oval slot. 13.The adjustable harness of claim 11, wherein said first part of lockmechanism is a screw.
 14. The adjustable harness of claim 11, whereinsaid second part of lock mechanism is a pem fastener.
 15. The adjustableharness of claim 1, further comprises at least one harness strap affixedto said pivotable frame.
 16. The harness of claim 15, wherein said atleast one harness strap is configured having a linear length adjustmentdevice.
 17. The harness of claim 15, wherein said at least one harnessstrap further includes a combination strap, said combination strapincludes at least one breast strap and at least one torso strap.
 18. Theharness of claim 17, wherein said at least one first finger comprises afirst conduit and said at least one second finger comprises a secondconduit and wherein said combination strap passes through said firstconduit and said second conduit.
 19. The harness of claim 18, whereinsaid first conduit and said second conduit are configured to enable alongitudinal adjustment between said combination strap and said at leastone first finger and said at least one second finger.
 20. The harness ofclaim 19, wherein said combination strap includes a leash ring.
 21. Theharness of claim 1, wherein said first and second adjustable mechanismeach further comprises a first coupler section and a second couplersection configured to releasably affix said first finger segment andsaid second finger segment.
 22. The harness of claim 21, wherein saidfirst and second adjustable mechanism each further comprises a releaselever to release said second finger segment from said first fingersegment.